Masvingo Resident Accused of Illegal Water Connection for 20 Years, US$46,800 Debt Revealed

A resident of Bushmead Farm in Masvingo has been accused of illegally tapping into municipal water supplies for two decades, racking up a debt of US$46,800 in a case highlighting growing concerns over non-revenue water and service delivery challenges in Zimbabwe. The matter surfaced during a recent full council meeting at the Masvingo City Council, where officials were reviewing an application for a formal water connection submitted by a man identified as L Chengeta.

According to council records, Chengeta had already been accessing water unlawfully for nearly 20 years after reconnecting himself to the main supply line following an earlier disconnection. Public Works and Housing Committee members rejected his application, citing the unauthorised connection, and instructed the finance department to initiate recovery of the US$46,800 debt. Ward 10 Councillor Sengerayi Manyanga expressed shock at the scale of the alleged abuse, suggesting the water used may fall under “non-revenue water,” a major issue affecting municipalities across Zimbabwe.

“This is likely part of the water we are losing every month without revenue,” Manyanga said during deliberations.

Council engineers reportedly advised that billing may not fully reflect actual usage, as water drawn directly from main lines is not always measurable before reaching storage or distribution points. This technical limitation may have prevented the debt from escalating even further, officials noted. Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa confirmed that Chengeta had previously been a legitimate customer but was disconnected after failing to settle outstanding bills.

“He was disconnected for non-payment, but he later reconnected himself and continued using treated water illegally,” Mukaratirwa said.

The revelations triggered strong reactions among councillors, with some calling for criminal charges to be pursued. Legal expert Advocate Tendai Moyo said illegal water connections could constitute both theft of services and damage to public infrastructure.

“Municipal water systems are critical public assets. Illegal connections not only deprive councils of revenue but can also compromise supply systems and water quality,” he said.

The case underscores persistent challenges facing local authorities in Zimbabwe, including infrastructure losses, weak enforcement mechanisms, and rising non-revenue water levels.

According to urban governance analysts, non-revenue water, which includes leaks, theft, and unbilled consumption, can account for up to 40% of water losses in some municipalities.

“These losses directly affect service delivery, limiting councils’ ability to maintain infrastructure and expand access,” said urban planner Nyasha Chikomba.

Council management is now expected to determine the legal and administrative route for recovering the outstanding debt, including possible civil action or prosecution. The case has reignited debate over accountability, enforcement, and the need for stronger monitoring systems within Zimbabwe’s urban water supply networks.

Masvingo illegal water connection